Former UFC champion signs contract with another organization; find out why.

Merab Dvalishvili with the belt at UFC 316 (Photo: Instagram)

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Merab Dvalishvili is not happy with his inactivity in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The Georgian-American, who hasn't fought since last December when he lost his bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg) to Petr Yan at UFC 323 in Las Vegas (USA), has decided to sign a contract with another organization in the world of combat sports.

In a social media post, Real American Freestyle (RAF), a professional wrestling organization, announced that Dvalishvili has signed a contract and is confirmed for RAF 8 on April 18th in Philadelphia (USA). The former UFC champion does not yet know his opponent.

"One of the most dominant MMA champions is coming to the new main stage of wrestling. Merab Dvalishvili is the headliner for RAF 08 in Philadelphia. Opponent to be announced soon," the organization's official profile posted.

🚨 Merab Dvalishvili has signed with RAF Wrestling and will make his debut at #RAF08 on April 18 👀

Opponent TBA

(via @RAFWrestlingUSA ) pic.twitter.com/HgZaQ4UpAu

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 24, 2026

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Merab Dvalishvili hasn't left the UFC. The former champion has simply decided to venture into another sport, aiming to stay active, something quite common among UFC fighters lately. The athlete has already expressed his desire to return to the top of his weight class, but while he awaits opportunities in Dana White's company, 'The Machine' doesn't want to remain idle.

Real American Freestyle attracts several UFC names.

Founded in April 2025 by Chad Bronstein, Terri Francis, and Hulk Hogan, RAF has already brought together names such as: Michael Chandler , Chad Mendes , Colby Covington , Luke Rockhold , Henry Cejudo , Urijah Faber , Bo Nickal , and Arman Tsarukyan . Now, the Georgian-American is the target of the moment, being scheduled for the main event of RAF 8.

Merab Dvalishvili's MMA numbers

Dvalishvili has a record of 21 wins and five losses in his professional MMA career. In the UFC since December 2017, the Georgian-American has accumulated 14 wins and three losses.

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